Hey PRCers,
A lot of us begin to run with the
goal of completing the Tely 10, but most new comers do not realize that there
are a number of other annual races overseen by NL Running or Running Room. The
Flat Out 5K, Mews 8K, Downtown 10K, Huffin Puffin Half/Full Marathon, and Cape
to Cabot are just a few.
I don’t think new comers really
view the Tely as a competitive race, more of a goal or an accomplishment,
internally competing with yourself. I
remember thinking the other races would be for serious competitive runners, and
did not give any thought to entering.
After I ran my first Tely in
2012, I started thinking “what now?” I know people who have started running,
completed a Tely 10, then just gave it up. Crossed it off there bucket list and
moved on. I enjoyed running though. It is much easier to stay motivated when you
have a goal. Although there were plenty of opportunities that fall to do races,
I kept putting it off until I finally gave in an entered the Run to Remember
11K.
It was a small race in terms of
participation. I was nervous about what I’d encounter, but as soon as I got
there I was at ease. It wasn’t all seasoned runners. There were people there
doing their first race, people running in memory of someone, acquaintances I
had no idea ran, and of course a handful of high level competitive runners.
I had run into an acquaintance and
he asked if I wanted to do a warm up run, I passed, thinking I’m about to run
11K, I need to save all the energy I can. Would later come to appreciate a nice
light warm up run, much better than spending the first 2 or 3KMs loosening up, it
definitely helped at the next years Tely as well.
Even in a smaller race, gathering
behind that start line is a nice feeling of excitement and nervousness. I still
love those final pre-race moments of buildup, then the release that comes when
the gun/horn goes off and you just start running.
At the beginning of a race, it’s
hard to avoid getting caught up in the initial rush of everyone out of the
gate. The top competitors just bolt out, leaving you in their dust. Everyone
else is also full of energy and pushing hard. This is great, and you feel awesome,
and will likely start at a faster pace than you’ve ever ran before. THIS IS A
TRAP! At least for us “Recreational Racers”. This adrenaline will die off and
you’ll suffer for it later in the race. My constant self-reminder in a race is
to “run my own race.” I have goals in mind leading up to an event. It’s easy
for those to go out the window and end up in a mad scramble. But remember them,
and stick to them!
A piece of advice for first-time
racers. I learned a very important lesson about pre-race meals. Nowadays I
usually go light with a peanut butter English muffin, a banana, and some water.
Back then, there was no plan. I ended up drinking a Carnation instant breakfast.
At about the 8K mark, I started feeling that milk nice and heavy in my stomach.
It kept getting worse. I was loosening my coat around my neck, just trying to
breath and forget about it. At 10.5K, near the finish, there is a turn in the
trail, luckily I ended up completely on my own. No one visible in front, no one
close behind. With that I pulled off to the side and promptly threw up my
breakfast drink. Instantly feeling better, I pushed onto the finish. Just like the
prior Tely, it felt awesome to cross a finish line.
I’m happy to see some LTRers
are trying the Flatout 5K. It’s a decent little race that’s not too
challenging. It’ll be a fantastic group and you’ll start to see lots of
familiar faces. Usually end up running with the same groups of people. Often
improving in times, race to race with each other.
I’m now registered, it’ll be my
first starting line since the Tely, and hopefully my first finish line since
the Carved by the Sea 10K. I’ve promised my wife I’ll take it easy, keep my
heart rate under a certain rate, and just not push to hard. Definitely gonna
have to mentally work to hold myself to just run my own race. Just can’t wait
to cross a finish line again!
See you all on Sunday!
Mark
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